Letters to the editor - July 21, 2014

Sunday

Jul 20, 2014 at 11:19 PM

The StarNews has propagated another misinformation on the editorial regarding voter ID. We have a system that is wide open to fraud, yet the StarNews continues to say it is virtually non-existent. Thirty-four states have some form of voter ID law …Fraud exists in every aspect of our society – from Medicaid and Medicare, welfare … even within the Vatican. It exists even where there are strict requirements to complete paper work, show ID, etc.They would have you believe that in the dirty game of politics, no fraud exists. All you have to do is state your name and sign a book … it defies common sense.A panel of three federal judges previously reviewed the North Carolina law and did not find it discriminatory. Now the NAACP is judge-shopping in hopes of getting a liberal judge to delay implementation of the law – a law that the majority of Americans support.… The current law changes early voting from 17 to 10 days before the election, and this is considered discriminatory? Even without ID, no one would be denied the right to vote, as they would be given a provisional ballot …The voter ID law will stop people voting under various names, in multiple states, and prevent dead people and pets from voting.Rocco D'Aprile, Wilmington

In reference to the furor resulting from the recent Hobby Lobby decision, I find the so-called religious right's opposition to both abortion and contraception puzzling.I can understand their moral objections to abortion – but contraception? It prevents abortions!An interesting fact worth noting in this controversy is that much of Hobby Lobby's merchandise originates in China, where birth control is mandatory.Carl Cerniglia, Castle Hayne

The progressives, socialists and leftists just cannot contain themselves from displaying their demeaning attitude towards our nation's heroes – the men and women who serve our nation in uniform. That attitude is reflected in the current actions – or inacton – of the Obama administration. Consider the abandoning of a Marine in jail in Mexico, while thousands of Latinos cross our borders illegally; issuing pink slips to combat soldiers and leaders while they're still in harm's way; allowing our veterans to be killed at the hands of the Veterans Administration … Where are their pink slips?John Battaglia, Southport

Editor's note: According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi was arrested after crossing the Mexican border "with a rifle, shotgun, pistol and hundreds of rounds of ammunition in his pickup." He says he crossed the border by mistake.

Among many saddened by the recent deaths of William H. Sutton and Charles H. Boney, I am happy to recall how much they did to make this a better city. After World War II military service and college, they were remarkably active for 65 years – serving in their church on many boards and committees, often in leadership positions. But it seems significant to reflect how they are identified with projects and development that bring pride and joy to so many. Billy Sutton was an early supporter of the Battleship North Carolina and a member of the Battleship Commission. Charlie Boney played a major role in the Empie Park development. …We can view with appreciation so much that these two good citizens helped accomplish. John C. Symmes, Wilmington